A British urban explorer has been left “saddened” to see the state of what was once a glorious theme park, now left to decay slowly. Charlee Popperwell, along with her friends, made her way through the eerie site of Flambards Park, which was once full of life.
The 21-year-old climbed up old, rotten roller coasters, slid down abandoned slides, and pedalled rusty old rides. Despite being closed for only a year, Charlee found that nature had wasted no time reclaiming the theme park.
Flambards, located in Helston, Cornwall, once entertained families for generations following its opening in 1976. After 48 years, officials decided it was time to close its doors.
The difficult decision, announced late last year, resulted from the retirement of main attraction rides, the struggle to source specific parts, and maintenance costs that drained the company’s finances.
Charlee from Penryn told What’s the Jam: “It was very sad to see the state of the place. Especially having so many childhood memories there, not just for me but for many people in Cornwall.”
According to the local, most of the rides are still there. However, others were auctioned off with stuff from the park’s Victorian Village attraction.
Charlee said it was “weird” walking around while nothing was running. She also claimed that it was not difficult to get inside and roam around, despite the security presence around the abandoned park.
She said: “It was very easy to get in, and there was not a lot stopping anyone from going inside.
“The site is constantly patrolled by security. I think a lot more people have been going now, so it’s unlikely most people will get in without getting caught.”